Hearing aids are essential devices that improve your hearing and enhance your quality of life. However, like any technological investment, they require routine maintenance and cleaning to ensure optimal performance. Regular maintenance can significantly increase their lifespan and ensure you’re hearing clearly. In this guide, we’ll go through the steps to effectively clean and care for your hearing aids.
Keeping your hearing aids clean and getting professional tunings
You should clean your hearing aids once a week or more. The lifespan of your hearing aid will be extended, and the sound quality will be enhanced by doing a quick, simple cleaning routine.
In addition to your regular at-home care, periodic professional maintenance by a hearing specialist is recommended. It’s comparable to a dental visit where professional cleanings are essential alongside your normal at-home cleaning and maintenance routine. A deep clean by a professional is advised every six months or so. This not only keeps them in prime condition but also helps identify any potential problems early.
Simple care tips for daily use
The performance and longevity of your hearing aids can be considerably enhanced by using these few basic tips. Consider the following guidelines to avoid common hurdles:
- Use a Dehumidifier: Storing your hearing aids in a dehumidifier while you sleep can help keep them dry and free of moisture that might cause malfunction.
- Keep Them Dry and Chemical-Free: Your hearing aids can be damaged by too much moisture. Be certain to remove them before taking a shower, swimming, or using products like hairspray or perfume.
- Before Handling, Clean Your Hands: Skin oils and debris can interfere with the function of your hearing aids so be certain you clean and dry your hands before handling them.
- Clean Before Bed: Cleaning your hearing aids before bed gives them a chance to dry completely before you use them again in the morning.
- Safe Storage: When not in use, keep your hearing aids stored in a protective case or in their charging unit to avoid exposure to dirt or physical damage.
- Protect From Extreme Temperatures: Avoid subjecting your hearing aids to extreme weather conditions. Leave your hearing aids inside your home if the weather is especially hot and humid or cold and wet outside.
Tools for proper hearing aid care
Maintaining your hearing aids requires the right tools. Here are some of the things you can expect to find in a hearing aid care kit:
- Microfiber cloth: An ideal tool for cleaning the outer surface of the hearing aid.
- Hearing aid dryer: Helps get rid of moisture, particularly after a long day of use.
- Cleaning brush: For removing dust and wax buildup.
- Wax pick or loop: To gently clear away earwax and debris from tight spaces
- Slim tube cleaner: For the removal of debris trapped in the tubes.
Our hearing specialists can help you keep your hearing aids in great working order by guiding you to the best tools and maintenance techniques.
Step-by-step cleaning determined by hearing aid type
There are some minor differences in how you clean different types of hearing aids. Two of the main types of hearing aids are Behind-the-ear (BTE) and In-The-Ear (ITE): Here are specific cleaning instructions for each type.
How to clean In-The-Ear (ITE) hearing aids
- Brush Debris Away: Gently wipe away any debris or earwax from the surface of your hearing aid while holding it face down.
- Remove Wax with a Loop: Use a wax loop or pick to thoroughly remove any remaining earwax.
- Wipe the Exterior: Use a soft microfiber cloth to clean the entire outer surface, getting rid of any residue.
- Clear the Ventilation Tube: Be certain that the vent tube is clear by pushing a slim cleaning tool through it.
Cleaning Behind-The-Ear (BTE) hearing aids
- Detach the Tubing: The first thing you need to do is detach the tube from the device.
- Use a Wax Pick: Use a loop pick to eliminate any stubborn wax that may remain.
- Clean the Microphone Openings: Brush the microphone openings to ensure they’re clear of debris.
- Reassemble and Test: Reassemble and test your hearing aids once everything dries.
- Clean the Aid: Carefully wipe away any wax or dirt while holding the device face down, paying particular attention to the portion around the receiver and microphone.
- Soak the Ear Mold: Take off and soak the ear mold in warm, soapy water to loosen any buildup. Utilize a tubing blower to get rid of excess moisture and dry with a clean cloth.
- Clear the Tubing: Run a pipe cleaner through the tubing to eliminate wax or moisture, then clean the outside with a cloth.
Proper hygiene can help you avoid infections
Cleaning your ears is just as important as keeping your hearing aid clean. Excessive buildup of earwax can negatively impact the functionality of your hearing aid and cause your ears discomfort and possibly infection. These issues can usually be avoided by regularly cleaning your ears and hearing aids.
Schedule an appointment to get your hearing aids cleaned by a professional
Contact us right away if you would like to schedule a consultation to go over any concerns you might have about hearing aids.
Professional maintenance is key to ensuring your hearing aids continue to serve you well for years to come.
